Robot That Helps Seniors Walk, Sit, And Avoid Falls

MIT researchers created E-BAR, a robot designed to help seniors move safely at home, supporting them during daily tasks and preventing falls.

MIT recently  announced that its engineers developed a robot system which could revolutionize senior care for people living at home. The E-BAR (Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot) functions as a robotic handlebar system, providing assistance in walking, sitting, standing, as well as automatic fall protection.

The E-BAR works as robotic handlebars following the person around. Users can walk independently, or use the device for support when needed. The device enables users to transition from sitting to standing, while its side airbags can instantly inflate to protect against injuries during potential falls.

“Many older adults underestimate the risk of fall and refuse to use physical aids, which are cumbersome, while others overestimate the risk and may not exercise, leading to declining mobility,” said MIT Professor Harry Asada.

“Our design concept is to provide older adults having balance impairment with robotic handlebars for stabilizing their body. The handlebars go anywhere and provide support anytime, whenever they need,” Asada added.

The robot doesn’t need the user to wear a harness. “The idea behind the E-BAR structure is, it provides body weight support, active assistance with gait, and fall catching while also being completely unobstructed in the front. You can just get out anytime,” said graduate student Roberto Bolli.

Currently, E-BAR is controlled by remote, but future versions may move and assist on their own. The design is slim enough to fit through doors and small home spaces. The robot uses special wheels to move in any direction and includes airbags that are soft but fast-acting.

The current E-BAR system operates through remote control, but the researchers claim that future versions will assist and move autonomously. The design maintains a slim profile which enables users to navigate through doors and compact home environments.

Tests show the robot helps users perform tasks like bending, reaching, or getting into and out of bathtubs safely.

“I think eldercare is the next great challenge,” Bolli said. “We see it as an unexplored frontier in America, but also an intrinsically interesting challenge for robotics.”